Cat: You hear but you are not listening…like you don’t hear that my bowl is empty!

Sylvio is right about one thing. I have had those moments that I hear someone talking, but not attentive to listening to what they are actually saying. I might be busy, and my attention might be focused on what I am doing. Sometimes, when I attempt to multitask, listening might be sacrificed. There are times when my mind is just preoccupied with upcoming events, but whatever the reason, I know I can seem distant and even rude.

I have been on the other side, and I will admit the feeling that I was not respected, or be pushed aside because some did not have time to listen to me, I do not like. I have even been accused of arguing when I attempt to express something, so the conversation will come to an end. I have walked away and felt unimportant, unappreciated, and even unloved.

I don’t know about you, but I know I can get so involved with a task and ignore those around me. Turn on the music and sit at the computer writing. Run out to capture photos in the morning or evening lighting. Find an intriguing book to read and tune out the outside world. Start a household project and just forget that others are around. I realize that if I did not like how I felt when some did not have time to listen, then I am doing the same to others. I don’t want to do that. So, even when I strive to take pride for what I am doing, I also need to use that passion for the relationships that surround me. Folks used a term, “know your P’s & Q’s” when I was young. There are some “P’s” I can use. I need to be “P”- patient with my family and hit the ”P”- pause button at times when they have the same passion to share and communicate. “P”- practice what I have taught to the children and demonstrate to others how I want to be treated. And, like I said earlier, I need to have “P” passion for those around; they are part of my life and share in the journey.

Me: Now for you Sylvio, it is just not time for the can cat food.

Cat: Are you practicing what you just said?

Me: Yes, I am practicing the passion of being patient with you. So, let us both pause and accept, you will get fed this afternoon and right now, you have dry food and fresh water.

Cat: You are right. I am being patient with you. I will pause for a passionate nap. Something I have practiced well.